J. W. McClain

J. W. McClain (born in Indiana) was an architect with offices in the Watts Building and, later, at 213 1/2 20th Street North.

McClain was educated in his home state and practiced as both architect and builder, specializing in houses and churces. In 1886 he was active in Terre Haute, Indiana. His marriage on January 7 1887 to Mrs L. E. Smith allowed him a legal exemption of $600, helping him to negotiate an assignment with his creditors.

He opened his Birmingham practice in March 1888. He became a member of the American Institute of Architects Southern Chapter at their meeting in Birmingham on January 10, 1893. In 1905 he advertised packaged plans by mail order for cottages that could be built for between $1,600 and $2,500. Two years later he published a book of Southern Homes, also advertised by mail order.

Notable works

• Davis Infirmary, 1894
• H. G. Smith building, 1899
• W. A. Orman building, Russellville, 1899
• Mrs E. Goode residence, Bessemer, 1907
• H. L. Castleman residence, Sylacauga, 1907
• C. O. Mills residence, Birmingham, 1907
• F. M. Tuttle residence, Smithfield, 1907
• R. E. Whitlow building, Birmingham, 1907
• ___ Baptist Church, Birmingham, 1907
• ___ Church, Birmingham, 1907
• Albright residence, Birmingham, 1909
• Alford Benners residence, Birmingham, 1909
• R. P. Dunlop residence, North Highlands, 1909

References

• The Saturday Evening Mail (January 15, 1887)
• North Alabama (Illustrated) (1888) Birmingham: Southern Commercial Publishing Co.